News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA.

December 24, 2012

Travis Outlaw has scored in double figures three times this season. Twice that has happened against his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers.

Outlaw scored a season-high 15 points in the Kings 108-96 win over Portland on Sunday.

"They must have did him real wrong," joked Kings coach Keith Smart. "They must have did him very bad in Portland."

Once again Outlaw was in the game for the Kings when the game turned in their favor against Portland. It was in the third quarter at Portland Dec. 8 when Outlaw's play helped the Kings win.

Outlaw scored 13 points in the second quarter Sunday as the Kings overcame a 10-point deficit.

"I want to do well every night," Outlaw said. "I mean, it's nice going against your former team and playing well. You just have to be thankful for every opportunity that you get to play and hope that it leads to more."

Outlaw plays sparingly, so when he does play and plays well there's genuine happiness from his teammates and coaches.

"Travis has been a guy that works every day, always a student," Smart said. "A true veteran because he's coaching along as well as playing."

Smart said Outlaw reminded him about using red tape to outline areas on the floor at practice to emphasize spacing.